Chapter8: Caleb Arrives. 

Lily retorted, “Mommy stayed up all night to make it for you!” 

“Mommy’s space fortress was a piece of junk! It fell apart! Sav made me a new one, and it’s the best!” Tommy boasted. Lily clenched her fists. She and Tommy had both seen their mother working late on their projects. Why was Tommy so ungrateful? 

It was not that Evelyn wanted to be overworked. She’d hired the maids to help with the projects, but Davis Tatted her out to her mother–in–law. 

You’re a Caltech graduate, and Caleb married you so you could dedicate yourself to raising the heir. Tommy’s future is your only work! How could you give his project to the maids?” 

The maids had a set schedule; Evelyn, as a mother, had to work overtime to finish her children’s homework. 

Lily pulled Evelyn away. Evelyn passed Tommy without a glance. He craned his neck, anxiously awaiting his space fortress. Children stopped to ask why he was standing there. He patiently explained that he was waiting for his magnificent project. 

This year’s project was part of the “Eco–Warriors” presentation, with the best works selected for a stage presentation. Only the selected children could present their projects to the entire school and on local television. Tommy had always been a top performer and was fiercely competitive. Savannah arrived late on her customized motorcycle, its roar echoing through the empty entrance. Tommy ran towards her. He had always admired her motorcycle, but now, he had not time for that. 

“Why are you so late?! Where’s my space fortress? 

Savannah removed her helmet, shaking her loose hair.“Here it is!” She lifted a large box from the back of her bike. 

Tommy was thrilled, pulling Savannah’s hand as the bell rang. He was late something hed never done before but the thought of winning first place made this inconsequential. 

Tommy, why are you late?” Ms. Jones frowned at Savannah’s presence. 

“The space 

fortress is huge, Sav carried it here for me,” Tommy quickly explained. 

Savannah saw Ms. Jones holding a stack of “Excellent Work” stickers. She reached out, “Give me 

one.” 

“What?” Ms. Jones hadn’t reacted before Savannah snatched a sticker. Savannah stuck it to the large red box. 

“What are you doing?” Ms. Jones protested. “Stickers are only given to works that are voted excellent by children.” 

Savannah didn’t eve care about it. She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “No other project compares to Tommy’s space fortress! The television crew is already in the auditorium. To avoid spoilers, Tommy’s project will only be opened during his presentation!” She held the box tight. “I’ll keep it for you until your presentation.” The person who built it had warned her that it could easily fall apart. She had to be careful. 

Tommy nodded, trusting Savannah implicitly. 

Ms. Jones said sternly, “Miss Hayes, you can’t do this! It isn’t fair to the other children!” 

Savannah laughed without a care.“Do you know Helen Reed is a school trustee? Do Tommy’s father will be here for his presentation?” 

Tommy’s eyes lit up. “My dad’s coming?!” 

Hearing that, Lily felt her heart skip a beat. Her eyes also lit up. 

you know 

“Daddy’s so busy. Why would he come to school? Tommy asked incredulously. Savannah boasted, “I made him come. He wouldn’t say no to me.” 

“Sav, you’re amazing! Tommy looked at her with complete admiration. 

vannah stood with her hands on her hips, her chin raised, staring coldly at Ms. Jones.“Do it my way. Only then will the television recording be perfect. If the Reed family’s son doesn’t win first. place, you’re doomed!” 

Ms. Jones was helpless. She wouldn’t dare offend the Reeds, nor would the other parents. 

The auditorium was filled with parents, mostly mothers, impeccably dressed and adorned with jewelry. They whispered amongst themselves about their children, husbands, and recent luxury purchases. 

“Evelyn! You look so… simple today!” Several rich ladies approached Evelyn, their eyes subtly scanning her. They’d noticed the absence of her wedding ring. They all knew about the twins and the unspoken hierarchy. The boy was always more important than the girl, 

Evelyn said frankly, I’ve divorced Caleb.” 

Silence fell around her. The ladies Str 

Evelyn 

continued, “I’m 

ΠΟ 

longer 

Tommy 

to maintain their composure. 

mother. I’m just Lily’s mom. 

“Oh…” The woman who’d initiated the conversation subconsciously took a step back. “You divorced? That takes guts!” 

“Will your daughter transfer to another school?” 

Evelyn shook her head.“I don’t plan to transfer Lily yet.” 

“It seems Mr. Reed is very generous. He’s still paying Lily’s tuition.” 

Many parents whispered behind Evelyn. 

“How could they get divorced? She must be crazy!” 

“Mr. Reed is so classy. Evelyn must have gotten a huge settlement!” 

got 

“So that? She only gained access to our circle because of her husband!” One lady shook her head. “Taking her daughter and leaving… she’s ruining her daughter’s life! Ten or twenty years. from now, Lily will feel the class difference between her and Tommy, and she’ll resent her 

mother!” 

“That woman is just… foolish.” 

Evelyn sat, blocking out the whispers. Then, someone exclaimed excitedly, “Look! Mr. Reed’s here! It’s really him!” 

Evelyn instinctively looked towards the entrance. The impeccably dressed man, accompanied by Savannah, entered the auditorium.